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about us
Dont Wait for Others Go When You Want To!
Why let others make your decisions? Dont let last minute group tour cancellations ruin your holidays. Book a bespoke Country go where you want, when you want. Holidays package with your own private guide and transport and
Utmost Flexibility
Fixed schedules with 6 a.m. morning calls and strict dinner hours begone. Hungry? Your guide will take you to a restaurant of your to visit a site and you just dont feel like it, then skip it. Its your holiday and you should be allowed to do as you please. choice. If you feel like sleeping in, simply depart later. Scheduled
heading straight to the best stall at the market or be shown to the driven by you, not everyone else.
best table at the hottest restaurant and local eatery. Your holiday is
Experts Advice
Our consultants have travelled extensively to each of our destinations. With firsthand knowledge, we craft your excursions as well as the best kept secrets the destination has to offer in
top experiences
tradition of alms giving to the monks Serenity and peace at the start of dusk, join in the Slow down and take in the locals pace, sitting at the
to include the best accommodations, dining venues, sites to visit short, everything youve dreamed your holiday to be. Weve done have to.
the research, found the best and weeded out the rest so you dont
roadside caf by the Mekong River sipping Beer Laos Meandering down the river on a Mekong Cruise
knowledge for the curious and delivers what you want even before you know you want it. Our carefully selected guides have a strong peoples, places and cultures of their homeland. command of English and are eager to share their knowledge of the
and scenery while observing the locals going about on their daily chores
Laos
world heritage site in 1975.
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1 Vientiane 2 Luang Prabang 3 Xieng Khuang 4 Vang Vieng 5 Pakse
Savvy travellers consider Laos to be the undiscovered jewel of Asia. Landlocked and with the Mekong meandering along most
its infancy of opening doors to the outside world after years of isolation. It continues to march at its own rhythm seemingly ignorant of the lightning
speed and progress of its neighbours. Here lies the charm of the country. The gem of Laos has to be Luang Prabang. Besides having a captivating blend of the indigenous colourful architecture and French chic cultural style, it is also beautifully nestled at the confluence of the Khan and Mekong River. It is little wonder that UNESCO listed it as a
Elsewhere, the capital Vientiane offers some of the biggest temples in the country. Vang Vieng is a magnet for adventure seekers while the Plain of Jars is simply one of the most bizarre experiences. Southern Laos is the off-the-beaten path destination of an already little known and explored country.
your friends or family and let us craft your journey into this beautiful land.
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SHANGRI-LAO CAMP
Located 12 km from Luang Prabang, experience the first luxury camp in Laos offering tented accommodation and expedition trips. www.shangri-lao.com
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In Vientiane
SETTHA PALACE
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An elegant luxury boutique hotel set in an old French colonial mansion, located right in the heart of town. www.setthapalace.com
KAMU LODGE
MAISON SOUVANNAPHOUM
Once the residence of Prince Souvannaphoum, the centrally located hotel exudes distinct colonial style architecture with contemporary dcor. www.angsana.com
A centrally located boutique hotel furnished in contemporary style with comfortably appointed rooms. www.salanaboutique.com
Built between the flowing river and rice fields, the lodge features 20 canvas tents. Tents are equipped with private attached bathroom and toilet with solar powered hot water and electricity. The lodge conducts all inclusive programs. www.kamulodge.com
In Pakse
RESIDENCE SISOUK
A simple, charming colonial style hotel with 16 clean and comfortable rooms, located in the city center. www.residence-sisouk.com
In Vang Vieng
THAVANSOUK RESORT
Nestled along the banks of the Namsong River, this 3-star resort sits on a lush garden and offers rooms with modern amenities and spectacular views of the karst mountain range. www.thavonsouk-resort.com
Stroll through the city and discover the charming back alleys leading to the magnificent Wat Xieng Thong Temple. Catch a traditional long-tailed boat up the Mekong River to the famous Pak Ou Cave filled with Buddha images of all styles and sizes. Tour the artisan village of Ban Nongxai and a silversmith workshop. Do not miss out on the night market tonight! (Breakfast, lunch included)
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At dawn, join the locals in the morning ritual of offering alms to the monks then make a quick visit to the local morning market. Transfer to the airport for your flight home. (Breakfast included)
This morning, visit the Wat Visoun and the Royal Palace Museum before driving through scenic Laotian countryside
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5 DAYS Laos Insight
DAY 01 Arrive Vientiane
Fly to Vientiane and transfer to your hotel.
What better way to learn about Laos than an introduction via her food culture at the local market of Thongkhankham? Proceed to tour Vientiane starting from the oldest Wat Sisaket to the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo. On your way to visit That Luang Stupa, pass through the imposing Patuxay Monument, Vientianes version of Arc de Triumph. Enjoy lunch by the Mekong River before flying to Luang Prabang. Tonight, visit the night market. (Breakfast, lunch included)
This morning, visit the Wat Visoun and the Royal Palace Museum before driving through scenic Laotian countryside to Kuangsi Waterfall. (For the active, choose to cycle through the verdant countryside to the waterfall.) Cool off in its multi-tiered turquoise pools while you take in the scenery before journeying back to Luang Prabang. Enjoy your evening at leisure. If you wish, we can arrange for a traditional Baci ceremony, believed to bring harmony and prosperity! (Breakfast, lunch included)
Stroll through the city and discover the charming back alleys leading to the magnificent Wat Xieng Thong temple. Catch a traditional long-tailed boat up the Mekong River to the famous Pak Ou Cave. Tour the artisan village of Ban Nongxai and a silversmith workshop. Ascend Mt Phousy for a panoramic view of the city. Stop by the Arts and Ethnology Centre for an insight into the ethnic mix and culture of Laos. (Breakfast, lunch included)
At dawn, join the locals in offering alms to the monks then make a quick visit to the local morning market. Transfer to the airport for your flight home. (Breakfast included)
For those who flew into Vientiane, a short flight brings you to Luang Prabang. Stroll through the city, visiting Wat Visoun, Royal Palace Museum and discover the magnificent Wat Xieng Thong Temple. Catch a traditional long-tailed boat up the Mekong River to the famous Pak Ou Cave. Tour the artisan village of Ban Nongxai and a silversmith workshop. Do not miss out on the night market tonight! (Breakfast, lunch included)
Laos was once referred to as The Land of a Million Elephants and today is your chance to get up close with these gentle giants. Take up the role of a mahout for a day where you get to ride, train and bath the elephants before ending with a dip in the Tad Sae Waterfall.
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Spend the morning on a rice farm and experience the life of a farmer and get your hands dirty! Plough the fields with a buffalo, plant rice seedling or learn to harvest them! Drive through the scenic Laotian countryside to Kuangsi Waterfall then cool off in its multi-tiered turquoise pools before journeying back to Luang Prabang.
For the more active family, trade in your mahout experience and ride your elephant and trek through dense virgin forest before floating down the river on a bamboo raft. (Breakfast, lunch included)
At dawn, join the locals in the morning ritual of offering alms to the monks then make a quick visit to the local morning market. Transfer to the airport for your flight home. (Breakfast included)
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Rise early for a visit to the local market of Thongkhankham. Tour Vientiane starting from the oldest Wat Sisaket to the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo. On your way to visit That Luang Stupa, pass through the imposing Patuxay Monument. Enjoy lunch by the Mekong River before flying to Luang Prabang. (Breakfast, lunch included) At dawn, join in the locals in offering alms to the monks before making a quick visit to the local morning market. Stroll through the city, visiting Wat Vsoun, the Royal Palace Museum and discover the magnificent Wat Xieng Thong Temple. Catch a traditional long-tailed boat up the Mekong River to the famous Pak Ou Cave. Tour the artisan village of Ban Nongxai and a silversmith workshop. Ascend Mt Phousy then stop by the Arts and Ethnology Centre for an insight into the ethnic mix and culture of Laos. Do not miss out on the night market tonight! (Breakfast, lunch included)
Follow in the footsteps of French explorer Dr P Neiss and discover Huay Sae Valley by elephant, on foot and bamboo raft! Ride 1.5 hours through verdant teak forests and dense jungle before enjoying lunch by the waterfall. Continue on foot for about 1.5 hours along the marvelous Huay Sae mountain stream and complete your journey with a bamboo raft ride down the Nam Khan River. Check into your resort and spend the evening relaxing. For dinner, choose between a delicious BBQ dinner or traditional Laotian dinner. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner included)
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Rise early and join the elephants in their daily bath down at the river. Following breakfast, transfer back to Luang Prabang and drop off at the airport. (Breakfast included) Note: The activities may vary depending on the eco-camp lodge you choose to overnight in.
Spend the morning on a rice farm and experience the life of a farmer. Plough the fields with a buffalo, plant rice seedling or learn to harvest them!
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Explore the basis of Laos cuisine on a guided walk of Luang Prabangs food market. Roll up your sleeves and learn to prepare local favourites including tips, tricks and culinary customs.
Textile Weaving
All ladies in the traditional Laotian society are expected to know weaving. Learn how textiles are made and meet the weavers. Discover the secrets of Lao textile and get to weave and dye your own scarf.
Fly between the treetops with this exhilarating zip line adventure near Luang Prabang then touch down at the base of Tad Sae for a swim. Extend your visit with an elephant ride and picnic lunch.
Explore intimate aspects of the countryside by off-road bicycle. Cycle along green rice paddies and stop for tasty local treats at villages specialising in local pottery crafts. Recommended for cyclist above 12 years old.
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Fly to Chiang Rai and transfer for about 1.5 hours to your hotel situated on the Golden Triangle overlooking Laos and Myanmar. You may wish to join in our recommended extensions.
After breakfast, cross the border to Laos (Houei Sai) and board the Luang Say Boat. Cruise down the Mekong River passing through remote mountainous stretches. Stop at Ban Houy Phalam, a Kamu village before arriving at Pakbeng and overnight in Luang Say Lodge. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner included)
At dawn, join the locals in offering alms to the monks before making a quick visit to the local morning market. After breakfast, visit the Wat Visoun and the Royal Palace Museum. Drive through the scenic countryside to Kuangsi Waterfall and cool off in its multi-tiered turquoise pools before returning to Luang Prabang (for the active, cycle to the falls instead).
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After breakfast, cruise to Ban Baw to observe the making of traditional rice alcohol. Visit a Kamu village and participate in activities such as archery, rice planting and harvesting, traditional fishing and gold panning. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner included) Note: For those with time constraints, it is possible to skip Kamu Lodge and cruise directly to Luang Prabang, stopping over at Pak Ou Cave for a visit.
Enjoy your evening at leisure. If you wish, we can arrange for a traditional Baci ceremony! (Breakfast, lunch included)
Enjoy the morning at leisure before transferring to the airport. (Breakfast included)
After breakfast, journey to the mouth of the Nam Ou River and explore the famous Pak Ou Cave.
Choose to extend in Anantara Golden Triangle or the Lanjia Lodge, a community-based lodge situated within a peaceful village of Hmong and Lahu hilltribe, offering dramatic vistas. www.asian-oasis.com For the ultimate luxury in a jungle setting, retreat to the Four Seasons tented camp built on elevated ground, ultra-private with generous decks, outdoor rain shower and not forgetting a stunning view. www.fourseasons.com
Venture deep into the Bokeo Nature Reserve in search of the elusive gibbons and spend two nights in a canopy tree-house. Recommended for the adventurous who can rough it out.
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Lunch by the Mekong River before flying to Xieng Khouang, gateway to the Plain of Jars. Tour the city and visit the Mine Action Group (MAG) Centre to learn about the efforts made to clear the land mines and other unexploded ordnance in the area. (Breakfast, lunch. dinner included)
At dawn, join the locals in offering alms to the monks before making a quick visit to the local morning market. After breakfast, visit the Wat Visoun and the Royal Palace Museum. Drive through the scenic countryside to Kuangsi Waterfall and cool off in its multi-tiered turquoise pools (for the active, cycle to the falls instead) before journeying back to Luang Prabang. Enjoy your evening free at leisure. If you wish, we can arrange for a traditional Baci ceremony! (Breakfast, lunch included)
Journey to the picturesque Jar Site 2 and learn about the various theories behind the jars origins and an insight to the history of the American bombing in the area. Drive about 6 hours through the countryside to Luang Prabang. (Breakfast, lunch included)
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Stroll through the city and discover the charming back alleys
For those who are not a fan of long distance driving, opt for the premium way of moving around the country by chartering a modern and comfortable helicopter operated by experienced and professional aircrew.
Fly to Luang Prabang and transfer to your hotel. Visit the Arts and Ethnology Centre and ascend Mt Phousy. Do not miss out on the night market tonight!
Fly to Pakse. Transfer to a long tail riverboat for your 2.5 hour journey to Champassak. Board the Vat Phou Cruise, your floating hotel for two nights. This afternoon, visit Vat Phou Ruins a majestic pre-Angkorian temple complex. Enjoy a sunset dinner onboard. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner included)
Visit Wat Visoun, the Royal Palace Museum and the magnificent Wat Xieng Thong temple. Catch a traditional long-tailed boat to the famous Pak Ou Cave. Tour the artisan village of Ban Nongxai and a silversmith workshop. (Breakfast, lunch included)
At dawn, join the locals in offering alms to the monks before making a quick visit to the local morning market. Drive to Kuangsi Waterfall and cool off in its multi-tiered turquoise pools. (For the active, choose to cycle to the falls instead.) Enjoy your late afternoon at leisure. If you wish, we can arrange for a traditional Baci ceremony! (Breakfast, lunch included)
Set sail for the village of Huei Thamo located near to the mysterious hidden forest temple of Oum Muong. Cruise downstream and visit Ban Deua Tia, a small Laotian village where the traditional way of life has not changed much in centuries. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner included)
Following breakfast, transfer to the airport to Vientiane. Tour Vientiane starting from the oldest Wat Sisaket to the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo. On your way to That Luang Stupa, pass through the imposing Patuxay monument. (Breakfast included)
Explore the village of Ban Veuthong, where you board a small boat to meander through 4,000 islands to Khone Island. Have lunch at the mainland before visiting the Pha Pheng waterfall, located close to the Cambodian border. The cruise ends near Pakse and you would be transferred to your hotel. (Breakfast, lunch included)
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home. (Breakfast included)
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Kingfisher Eco-Lodge
A continuation after your Vat Phou Cruise, arrive at a family run property consisting of 6 stilt bamboo bungalows. Dishes are prepared using organic ingredients and the resort offers many activities such as biking, bird watching and mahout experience. www.kingfisherecolodge.com
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Drive about 3 hours to the adventure playground of Vang Vieng, nestled alongside the Nam Song River which winds its way through a dramatic limestone mountain range.
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Rise early this morning for a visit to the local market of Thongkhankham. Tour Vientiane starting from the oldest Wat Sisaket to the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo and That Luang Stupa.
Stroll through the city and discover the charming back alleys leading to the magnificent Wat Xieng Thong temple. Catch a traditional long-tailed boat to the famous Pak Ou Cave. Tour the artisan village of Ban Nongxai and a silversmith workshop. Ascend Mt Phousy then stop by the Arts and Ethnology Centre. (Breakfast, lunch included)
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The rest of the day is at leisure and is best spent cycling through the idyllic town or floating down the river on a tube. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner included)
Begin your activity filled day by cycling to the local market for fresh produce and handicrafts. Visit the natives of the Hmong Village before continuing to the limestone caves for a swim in the clear waters or just float through the caves on a tube. Enjoy a BBQ lunch on the banks of the river and continue your adventure kayaking down the river through winding rapids until you reach the river bar for a cool drink. Kayak the last stretch and arrive at the pullout point and transfer back to the hotel. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner included)
At dawn, join the locals in offering alms to the monks before making a quick visit to the local morning market. After breakfast, visit the Wat Visoun and the Royal Palace Museum and begin your drive to Kuangsi Waterfall. Cool off in its multi-tiered turquoise pools before journeying back to Luang Prabang. (For the active, choose to cycle to the falls instead.) Enjoy your evening at leisure. If you wish, we can arrange for a traditional Baci ceremony! (Breakfast, lunch included)
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Enjoy your morning free at leisure before transferring to the airport. (Breakfast included)
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Start early this morning for the long but scenic drive to Luang Prabang. En route, stop at villages along the way to stretch your legs.
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For reservation inquiries, please call Laos Hotline: Tel. +856 (0) 20 56 44 90 18 or visit www.mekong-cruises.com
Redifining Travel
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Photo credits: William Chua international award winning photographer and avid traveler of Country Holidays. www.williamchua.com